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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has taken a significant step towards promoting digital payments among merchants and consumers by introducing its Paleng-QR Ph Plus programme in Ilocos Sur. Launched on April 23 at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in the city, the programme utilises quick response (QR) codes to facilitate cashless transactions through digital devices like cellphone apps, making it easier for people to transition to digital payments.
BSP Governor Eli Remolona, Jr., emphasised that the programme aims to enhance the financial resilience of Filipinos and enable them to capitalise on economic opportunities by integrating them into the formal financial system. By using QR Ph codes in daily payment transactions, both business owners and customers can expand their digital financial footprint, granting them access to a broader range of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.
Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat revealed that 68 local government units across the country have already joined the programme. Governor Jeremias Singson urged all local government units to collaborate in ensuring that the benefits of digital payments reach every corner of the province, fostering greater economic growth, resilience, and prosperity for all.
The QR Ph programme was introduced in the province through the initiative of the Ilocos Sur provincial government, following the passage of Provincial Resolution No. 0372 in August 2023. This resolution mandates all municipalities and cities in the province to enact appropriate ordinances requiring local business establishments and transportation facilities to adopt the QR Ph digital payments mode of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Caoayan Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Ilocos Sur President Germelina Goulart expressed that LGUs in the province will soon implement the Paleng-QR Ph Plus programme in their respective areas to support the administration’s objective of enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.
The Philippines is committed to ensuring inclusivity in its digital transformation journey, striving to encompass all sectors of society in its drive towards a more digitally-enabled future. In line with this commitment, the DICT empowers LGUs and ICT councils, bolstering grassroots ICT capabilities. Through initiatives like CLICkConEx, collaborative efforts are showcased, advancing rural ICT development and propelling smart city transitions across the nation.
OpenGov Asia reported that DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue acknowledged the crucial role of ICT councils in fostering local digital ecosystems, addressing issues like cybersecurity and digital literacy. The DICT’s DIRECT Programme, including components like RISE and Digital Career Expo, aims to boost digital literacy and economic growth, even in rural areas.
Director Emmy Lou Delfin stressed President Marcos’s commitment to leveraging ICT for public service enhancement and local economic development. CLICkConEx showcased collaborative efforts to advance rural ICT development, highlighting Luzon cities’ transition to smart cities and driving digital transformation in the Cordillera region.
The DICT also spearheads digital upskilling and reskilling, offering free training to equip both the unemployed and online Filipino workers with essential digital skills, aligning with the Philippines’ goal of inclusivity and upskilling citizens for participation in the digital economy.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Digital Jobs PH (DJPH) programme, which is driving the transition from traditional work setups to dynamic digital workspaces. Ibrahim B. Guiapar Jr., the Regional Director of DICT, underscored the agency’s commitment to this mission, stating, “DICT is providing training for free,” emphasising the inclusivity of the programme.
The Digital Jobs PH programme offers training modules in various fields like social media marketing and software development tailored to each province’s needs. With six training sessions conducted in 2023 alone, DICT’s inclusive approach targets professionals and the unemployed alike, offering a pathway to employment as online Filipino workers.
